Q: Is it really forbidden to smoke?A: It is an extremely severe prohibition. Every year in Israel, 10,000 people die from smoking and 200,000 are sick from it.Q: Is it permissible to listen to non-Hebrew and secular songs?A: There are three conditions: 1. Kosher words (Rambam on Pirkei Avot 1:17). 2. A kosher tune that does not stir up base urges (Rambam, Igrot p. 428). 3. A kosher musician (see Shut Igrot Moshe, Even Ha-Ezer 1:96). If he is Jewish – he follows the Shulchan Aruch. If he is not Jewish – he observes the seven mitzvot of Bnei Noach. Q: Is it permissible to write B"H (Baruch Hashem – in Hebrew) on the top of a paper or should I write BS"D (in Aramaic)?A: B"H is permissible. It is an abbreviation and may therefore be thrown in the garbage.Q: Someone pointed out to me in the middle of the Shemoneh Esrei that I was facing the wrong direction. Can I move?A: Yes, moving for a good reason is permissible.Q: What is the Torah source for the prohibition of touching the opposite gender?A: "Do not approach" (Vayikra 18:6) and explained in Sefer Ha-Chinuch #188.Q: Is it worthwhile to go into the field of media communications?A: Yes, it can be a source for a positive influence. It must obviously be a kosher position and performed with integrity.Q: If I enter the bathroom to get something, do I need to wash "netilat yadayim"?A: In the bathrooms of our time, which are clean, it is permissible to be lenient. Sha'arim Metzuyanim Ba-Halachah.Q: I have homosexual tendencies. What should I do?A: [In Israel] turn to "Atzat Nefesh" which is a free, anonymous helpline established for this purpose. Phone #: 02-654-1899 on Mon/Wed/Thurs. www.Atzat-nefesh.orgQ: Is it permissible for a girl to wear a nose ring?A: It is forbidden because of following the ways of the non-Jews (Chukot Ha-Goyim).Q: But Rivka had a nose ring?A: This type of "Chukot Ha-Goyim" is based on the reality of the time in which one lives.Q: Is it permissible to daven barefoot as they use to do?A: It is forbidden. One must be dressed as standing before a king. They used to stand this way before a king.Q: Can I take vitamins which do not have kosher supervision?A: Any medicine which lacks taste is kosher, including for Pesach.Q: I woke up late, how should I daven?A: You can daven – after the fact – until noon, reciting all of the prayers as you normally would. Q: And if I wake up after noon?A: The morning blessings, Tefillin and then daven Minchah twice.Q: Is it okay to leave Israel to visit Poland?A: It is not okay. 1. It is forbidden to leave Israel (except under specific circumstances). 2. It is giving money to murderers.

Mission Statement

To Enrich the spiritual life of the English-speaking World through the Torah of Ha-Rav Shlomo Aviner, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Ateret Yerushalayim in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem. By offering English translations of Rav Aviner’s written and oral Torah, this division of the yeshiva aims to expose English speakers to a powerful, sensitive and poetic voice unparalleled in our time. His unfailing optimism, his tolerance and love all Jews, his guidance for harmony within the Jewish family and his dedication to Eretz Yisrael, the State of Israel and Tzahal will inspire and enrich the lives of all who may now have access to his words.